Wisconsin is a shopper’s paradise and there’s no better time of year than now to hunt for deals. The Dairy State has shopping destinations that will rival any in the country. They are perfect places for back-to-school shopping, holiday shopping or just-for-you shopping. These destinations offer value, style and a few special things you won’t find anywhere else.
Best of all, these destinations offer fun and relaxing amenities to complete a productive day of shopping. Looking for a comfortable, high-quality hotel? Check. Looking for a tasty restaurant? Check. Looking for an outdoor attraction or event to make the trip complete? Check.
So grab your wallet–and perhaps a few friends–and travel to these destinations to discover for yourself why Wisconsin is a shopper’s paradise. Just make sure there’s plenty of room in your trunk. You’ll need it after a weekend exploring these best bets for Wisconsin shopping.
Rhinelander
Natural deals
In the beautiful Northwoods of Wisconsin, there’s outstanding fishing, hiking, biking and…shopping. Shopping? Yes. In Rhinelander, you can find it all. The community has the world-class lakes and beautiful forests that lure so many travelers north. In town, Rhinelander is in a class of its own. The “Home of the Hodag,” features a perfect mix of wilderness and in-town fun. Fish for walleye in the morning and spend the afternoon browsing an eclectic mix of downtown shops, including antique stores, sporting goods shops and specialty retailers. Rhinelander is a getaway that offers something for shoppers who love great deals–and the outdoors.
Learn more about shopping in Rhinelander
Onalaska
Bluffs, trails and bargains
Situated on the Mississippi River, Onalaska is home to the largest shopping district in a 9-county area. Onalaska boasts hundreds of shops and restaurants. Valley View Mall is a good place to start a shopping trip in Onalaska – the mall features more than 90 specialty shops and four major department stores. The shopping is so good in Onalaska, it’s easy to forget that there’s a lot more that makes this place special. Onalaska has picturesque bluffs, miles of bicycling trails and many great spots to take a hike. In Onalaska, you may want to add walking shoes and biking supplies to your shopping list!
Learn more about shopping in Onalaska
Oshkosh
Top-flight shopping
Oshkosh is known as Wisconsin’s Event City–it hosts more than 1,000 events annually, including major fishing tournaments, large concert festivals and the EAA AirVenture fly-in. It’s a mecca for aviation lovers–rare and vintage aircraft are a frequent site above the city, even when the fly-in isn’t taking place. It’s a unique backdrop for some outstanding shopping. Just off Interstate 41, the Outlet Shoppes offer incredible deals from the biggest brand-name retailers. In downtown Oshkosh, an interesting mix of retailers offer everything from art and jewelry to one-of-a-kind apparel. After browsing these great stores, Oshkosh shoppers can sample one of the many fun events taking place every week in Wisconsin’s Event City.
Learn more about shopping in Oshkosh.
Middleton
Retail riders
Middleton offers an old-school way to explore the city that helps set this shopping destination apart. The free and fun Middleton Trolley ferries passengers to hotels, restaurants and stores. It’s a memorable ride but the best fun is just off each trolley stop. Greenway Station is a 51-acre lifestyle retail center that offers a great assortment of shops and restaurants that are linked by covered walkways. Historic downtown Middleton hosts an eclectic mix of shops that provide a delightful mix of old and new. The trolley follows a 30 minute loop so a ride is never far away. Climb aboard–the trolley has ample room for shopping bags!
August 27, 2015